Archive for the ‘OILS’ Category

Men who take fish oil supplements or eat fatty fish may be more likely to contract prostate cancer, an international study has found.

The research reported a 71 per cent increased risk of prostate cancer among men who consume omega-3s, fatty acids regularly extolled for their health benefits.

Lead author Alan Kristal, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, said the study reinforced that nutritional supplements may be harmful.

Scientists cannot explain the connection, but findings indicate omega-3s are involved in the formation of tumours.

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Cancer Council Australia chief executive Ian Olver said: ”The reality is that if something is good for you, it doesn’t mean that 10 times of it is better. It is unlikely someone would be diagnosed with a deficiency of fish oil. There is a view out there that extra vitamins and antioxidants are good for you. And people take more thinking that more is better.”

Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the findings confirm a 2011 study that linked high blood concentrations of DHA, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid, to more than double the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. ”The findings suggest that these fatty acids are involved in prostate tumorigenesis and recommendations to increase long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake, in particular through supplementation, should consider its potential risks,” the study said.

Professor Peter Howe, a nutrition expert at the University of Newcastle said taking fish oil had ”shown improvements in cardiovascular health, cognitive performance in the aged and reduced inflammation”.

The Heart Foundation recommends adults consume at least 500 milligrams of omega-3 every day from oily fish or fish oil supplements. ”We don’t know how much omega-3 people are getting. We should introduce a test to measure omega-3 status when we visit the GP,” Professor Howe said.

A leading heart health expert has backed oily fish or fish supplements as vital while dismissing claims about the health benefits of coconut and krill oil.

Associate Professor David Colquhoun, a cardiologist at the University of Queensland School of Medicine along with Wesley and Greenslopes Private Hospitals, said the value of fish oil and its health benefits have recently been questioned.

“My research review confirms oily fish or fish supplements are important for heart health and should be a regular part of our weekly diet,” Associate Professor Colquhoun said.

According to the Heart Foundation, healthy adults should consume two to three serves of oily fish a week and if not, should take fish oil supplements.

“Krill oil is a good source of omega-3s however it is no better for you than fish oil and is usually more expensive,” he said.

He encouraged buyers to take little notice of organic, sustainable or eco-friendly krill oil.

“The current harvesting of krill is less than one per cent of what is in the ocean, so it is all wild and sustainable”.

He then ceased all claims regarding the benefits of coconut oil.

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“There have also been bizarre claims that coconut oil lowers cholesterol, cures Alzheimer’s disease and even prevents heart disease, however the research does not support this.

Associate Professor Colquhoun said coconut oil is full of unhealthy saturated fat which raises bad cholesterol levels, clogs the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease.
“With over 90 per cent saturated fat I would definitely be keeping coconut oil off the menu.”

According to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the professor’s findings support studies following a specific methodological process occurring in reports published between January 1970 and December 1998.

The subjects of the selected studies were required to be 17 years or older, have a thoroughly controlled food intake and constant Cholesterol intake.

Those who had disturbances of lipid metabolism or diabetes were not included in the selection of studies.

Associate Professor Colquhoun presented his findings at the Heart Foundation Conference held in Adelaide from May 16- 18.